Model & Local Action – Farmer’s Market Newsletter – May

NEWSLETTER MAY 2008 May already and snow on them there hills! It was only days ago and the temperature was well into the 20s. Speaking of weather…remember the appallingly windy day at the beginning of April? Sure enough it created lasting havoc for many farmers around Victoria including a completely devastated hazelnut orchard in Gippsland, two lost apple crops in Central Victoria and traumatised chooks who went collectively â€œoff the layâ€ in the West.

In Victorian Farmers Market Association news, we are thrilled to finally have some of the funding in the bank from the much anticipated State Government pledge of last years election to see the growth of community-based farmers markets. As a result we have been able to employ a part-time Executive Officer, Chloe Crawley, who will be enacting projects such as the major accreditation program for markets across Victoria plus a website, conference and â€˜how to guides for interested community groups and prospective stallholders. VFMA can be contacted on 9416 2090 and vicfarmersmarket @bigpond.com.

We need your input and feedback from the consumers point of view as this is a really formative time for us. We also should remind you that part of the funding is for community groups who can apply for up to $20,000 to start farmers markets in regional Victoria. VFMA has run a series of workshops for successful applicants and several community-run markets have started recently as a result of this support. More info www.business.vic.gov.au and find the farmers market grants program.

In produce around the state this month youll find the last of the berries, corn & field tomatoes but the reassuring re-appearance of parsnips, pumpkins, leeks, all the brassicas and other veggies will coax us into Winter gently. Theres oodles in fruit and nuts too; mandarins, lemons, apples, pears, kiwis, pomegranates, feijoa, medlar, walnuts, chestnuts and quinces. Come and meet Shaw River buffalo cheesemakers at Collingwood.

Its time to get bottling if thats your thing. There are still green tomatoes around the markets which are an easy pickle to make to put away for winter antipasto platters. Slice the tomatoes as thinly as possible, toss liberally with cooking salt and weight down overnight. Rinse off in fresh water the next day, douse in white vinegar for an hour or so, rinse again then pack with olive oil and herbs in sterilized jars. Delish! Dont forget there are 5 Saturdays in May so the last market is at the Abbotsford Convent on the 24th May.